Gov. Brown, meantime, used his remarks at the UPS warehouse to highlight what he sees as California's inherent economic strengths -- again, a contrast with other states routinely touted as better for business.

"We are a center, a dynamic center, of innovation," he said during his official remarks at the ceremony. "And we're in competition. Not just with other states, but with China, with India. And we have to put our best foot forward."

The governor argues that best foot is on a path towards environmental friendly technology and development. Even so, he reached back into history to explain why other a state like Texas thinks California has so many business gems.

"In 1848, people wanted to come to California and take our gold," said Brown. "You go where the gold is. They're coming to California because this is where it is. [Gov. Perry's] not going to Lubbock, or wherever those places are that make up that state. So I say, come on along. Come on!"